IVV vs MSTB
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF vs LHA Market State Tactical Beta ETF
Which is better, IVV or MSTB?
Large Cap Blend against Tactical Allocation.
IVV has a lower expense ratio. IVV led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window. The two have moved almost in lockstep, correlation 0.96.
MarketXLS is not an investment adviser. This comparison is generated automatically from market data and is for information only. A Best mark means the better reading on that one measure, not a recommendation to buy.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IVV | MSTB |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03%Best | 1.38% |
| AUM | $876.4B | $196M |
| Dividend Yield | 1.06% | 0.37% |
| Holdings | 508 | 10 |
| YTD Return | +11.57%Best | +8.86% |
| 1Y Return | +17.57%Best | +11.77% |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +20.71%Best | +17.24% |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.80%Best | +7.49% |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.4% | 14.2%Best |
| Max Drawdown | -24.5%Best | -25.6% |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $18,262Best | $14,350 |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Little Harbor Advisors |
| Category | Equity | Allocation/Balanced |
| Style | Large Cap Blend | Tactical Allocation |
| Inception | May 15, 2000 | Sep 30, 2020 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: Sep 30, 2020 to Sep 10, 2026 (5.9 years).
IVV vs MSTB growth
Month-end closes. Both lines start at 0% in the first month shown, so the gap between them is the difference in growth across that window. The full view covers the 5.9 years both funds cover.
IVV vs MSTB Performance
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is an ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and LHA Market State Tactical Beta ETF (MSTB) is an ETF from Little Harbor Advisors. Over the past year IVV returned +17.57% while MSTB returned +11.77%. Year to date, IVV is up 11.57% versus a gain of 8.86% for MSTB.
Over three years, IVV compounded at +20.71% per year against +17.24% for MSTB; over five years the annualized figures are +12.80% and +7.49% respectively. Across the full 6-year window we track, IVV has the edge at +16.24% annualized vs +10.81%.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
IVV has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.4% compared with 14.2% for MSTB. Lower volatility generally means a smoother ride, though it often comes with lower long-run returns.
The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -24.5% for IVV and -25.6% for MSTB. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.96. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IVV charges 0.03% per year while MSTB charges 1.38%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $138 annually, a gap of $135 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IVV currently yields 1.06% against 0.37% for MSTB.
Holdings Overlap
We hold position weights for 505 holdings in IVV and 3 in MSTB, totalling 100.0% and 89.7% of the two funds. The two books name no position in common, so there is no overlap percentage to show.
0 positions in common, counted across the 505 positions we hold weights for in IVV and 3 in MSTB, against full books of 508 and 10.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of IVV and MSTB you pick has to sit alongside everything else you own. Add the rest and see what the combination actually holds.
Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IVV or MSTB?
IVV has an expense ratio of 0.03% while MSTB charges 1.38%. IVV is the cheaper option, by $135 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, IVV or MSTB?
Over the past year IVV returned +17.57% vs +11.77% for MSTB, so IVV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (6 years), IVV annualized +16.24% vs +10.81% for MSTB. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, IVV or MSTB?
IVV has been the more volatile fund at 15.4% annualized versus 14.2% for MSTB. Worst drawdown: IVV -24.5% vs MSTB -25.6%.
Should I hold both IVV and MSTB?
IVV and MSTB have a monthly-return correlation of 0.96, so they move almost identically. What is left to separate them is the fee and the index each one tracks. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which pays a higher dividend, IVV or MSTB?
IVV yields 1.06% while MSTB yields 0.37%, so IVV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is MSTB better than IVV?
IVV has a lower expense ratio. IVV led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window. The two have moved almost in lockstep, correlation 0.96. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.